Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Seasonal Affective Disorder: Could it be affecting you?

Throughout
the long winter months, many individuals begin to notice a lack of energy or
motivation, cravings to eat excess amounts of carbs or sugar, a social
withdrawal, and an overall sluggish feeling that won’t subside. While these
feelings may appear insignificant at first glance, they are all identified
symptoms of SAD or Seasonal Affective Disorder. SAD is a type of depression
that occurs at a certain time of the year, primarily in the winter which is why
it is often referred to as “Winter Blues.” Often times, SAD is onset by
puberty, however, it can also develop during adulthood. Because the city of
Duluth is known for long winter nights and a lack of sunlight throughout the
day due to the dense fog, individuals living here are at a greater risk for
SAD.

An Example of a Bright-light
Therapy Lamp

Teresa Aldach

Although the immense
effect of sunlight may be hard to believe, there is a complete biophysical explanation
behind the disorder. Teresa Aldach, the coordinator of counseling services in
the Student Center for Health and Well-being, has done a great deal of research
on SAD because she and many students she has cared for have been personally
affected by the disorder. According to Teresa, individuals with seasonal affective disorder process light
through their eyes more sensitively than others. One result is that bright
light triggers the pineal gland to release a sleep chemical known as melatonin
way too early in the day. Similarly, serotonin, a biochemical in the brain
closely associated with depression that makes our moods lift, may disable the
processing of melatonin.These chemical imbalances validate the fact
that feelings such as loss of energy or motivation are at no fault of the
individual. Thankfully, SAD is assessed very clearly through blood tests, and there
are a few very effective treatments for the disorder. The therapeutic
recommendation for SAD, known as bright-light therapy uses a special lamp with
a very bright light to mimic sunlight. Also, many of those affected take
Vitamin D supplements to maintain energy throughout the day. Counseling
services are working to offer bright-light therapy to faculty and staff in the
future, perhaps in the library! If you are concerned that you may suffer from SAD,
we strongly encourage you to contact your health care provider.